SPRED (Special Religious Development for Persons with Disabilities)
Description of group: Faith formation, prayer, community and friendship in small groups welcoming young adults (aged 17-21) and adults (ages 22 and older) with development and/or cognitive disabilities. We collaborate with surrounding parishes to offer SPRED groups for younger persons with disabilities, aged 6-10 and 11-16.
Membership: volunteers as faith partners with young adults and adult participants with developmental and cognitive challenges. Training is provided by SPRED.
How often group meets: Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, 7:00 – 10:00 PM in Upper Voss/Parish Center.
Contact person: Julia Hess, 773-539-7510
CONSIDER PARTICIPATION IN THE SPRED MINISTRY
Does the routine of daily life ever numb your appreciation of beauty and wonder and meaning? Do you ever long to make your own life more meaningful and touch the lives of others? Do you have 24 evenings out of 365 each year to join others; to share your stories; to experience the gift of community; and to make a difference in the life of someone special?
If this resonates with you, SPRED can offer a unique opportunity to fulfill yourself in the company of like-minded parishioners who meet weekly from September to May (not in January) to share life experiences, nourish our faith, and witness to the parish the unique joy of being in fellowship with our friends with special needs.
Through story, Scripture, music, gesture and expression, we visit the depths of our own faith and communicate God’s love for each and every person — all this while forming long lasting friendships with very special people. SPRED opens the door for our Friends to enter more fully into the sacramental and worshipping life of the parish.
The SPRED Ministry, both here and throughout the Archdiocese, is always looking for new volunteers to partner with these often forgotten people. Please call Julia Hess at 773-539-7510 to set up a time to observe one of the prayerful sessions that we share with our friends. All parents, priests, directors of religious education and potential volunteers are welcome to enjoy a peaceful evening. You will then be personally guided through the process of embracing the SPRED experience for yourself, your son or daughter, or your parish community. SPRED has no boundaries. We are parish based; Archdiocesan wide; nation wide and world wide. Come join us.